Named after the karate master from the 1980’s movie, Karate Kid, Mr Miyagi on Chapel Street Windsor is a fusion of Japanese Street Hawker meets Windsor wine bar. Designed by Eades & Bergman, Mr Miyagi exudes a relaxed, urban atmosphere with a Japanese alleyway feel.

The lighting by Please Please Please creates a consistent flow from the front of the establishment to the rear by emulating street power lines and cables that lead to the rear booths. Street-like light boxes protrude from the brick walls along the way, evoking thought to walking through the hustle and bustle of a Japanese alley.

The entrance wall features cost effective, acoustic cardboard tiling panels with the idea derived from patchwork corrugated iron panels found in old Asian side alleys, giving an urban Japanese vibe.

Mesh panels have been used on the walls adjacent to the cardboard tiled walls of the entrance and continue throughout the front section. Designed to function as a more relaxed area for after work drinks or where guests can sip on Sake cocktails whilst waiting for a table, the mesh paneling continues to the street front. Large windows open out
onto Chapel Street, bringing the outside in. Low stools by Tobi Munch provide a relaxed and casual feel.

A pink neon love heart illuminates the word ‘loser’ that is scrawled in graffiti on the wall in the front area, providing a first glimpse of the tongue in cheek humour that weaves its way throughout Mr Miyagi.

Hidden in the back are three booths, each with the capacity to seat eight people. Created as a hint towards Japanese Tea Houses, Mr Miyagi’s booths have wooden shutters that create a contemporary twist and murals depicting Japanese imagery by artist Tracy Hogan.

Following on from the murals in the booth area, further artwork can be found in the bathrooms. Surprising and entertaining, the intricate artwork is set to be a conversation starter with its playful nature.

The focal point of Mr Miyagi is the bar. The bar face is cladded with recycled timber tiles, by Urban Edge, salvaged from shipwrecks. Complementing the bar’s exterior with recycled timber tops are Steve

Edwards’ bar stools, serving as a perfect perch to watch Michael Forbes create delicious beverages or a sushi-bar style dining seated area where the Sushi Chef prepares and serves sushi straight on your plate.

With any interior design brief there are always challenges to overcome. In Mr Miyagi’s case it was the long wall that runs from the entrance to the back of the building, that actually turned out to work in the designers favour. A pre-existing brick wall that housed undiscovered original windows was exposed during construction and have been left in their unique and original state, enhances the Japanese laneway feel and adds a touch of character to the space.

From the cement wall cladding to the recycled timber used extensively throughout, Eades & Bergman have successfully created a warm and welcoming space with Mr Miyagi. The furniture fittings are casual, relaxed and encourage interaction, while the finer details add an urban edge and contemporary Japanese twist that complements the overarching Mr Miyagi vibe.